On the afternoon of May 26, 2021, a delegation from Xiamen University’s College of Foreign Languages and Cultures (CFLC) joined in a ceremony in which Xiamen Foreign Language School (XFLS) was officially designated as a “high-quality source of admissions” for Xiamen University. The CFLC delegation consisted of Prof. Chen Jing, dean of CFLC; Xu Qi, vice dean of CFLC; Associate Prof. Ren Xing, deputy chair of the Japanese Department; Prof. Han Chao, of the English Department; and Chen Wenna, head of the CFLC’s academic affairs section. On the side of XFLS, more than 300 teachers and students took part in the event, including vice principal Huang Jinliang, English teaching and research director Chen Jinying, Japanese lesson planning director Wang Qiuyue, and international director Wang Dandan.

Before the ceremony, XFLS officials had a meeting with the CFLC delegation. Both parties reviewed the long history of talent cultivation, academic exchanges and teacher training between CFLC and XFLS, and they also had a cordial conversation on topics such as how to strengthen the articulation between high schools and colleges in the context of the reform of the new National College Entrance Examination, and how to strengthen talent selection and talent cultivation in foreign language subjects. CFLC dean Chen Jing expressed her gratitude to XFLC for sending many high-achieving graduates to Xiamen University over the years. She said that, going forward, Xiamen University would continue to promote in-depth cooperation with XFLS to cultivate outstanding talent. XFLS vice principal Huang Jinliang expressed her hope that both sides would strengthen communication and cooperation and promote the joint cultivation of talent.

The meeting was followed by a ceremony for the designation of XFLS as a “high-quality source of admissions” for Xiamen University, as well as a presentation of gifts by CFLC to XFLS.

After the ceremony, CFLC professor Han Chao gave a lecture titled “The Power of Language: From Language Learning to Language Research” to XFLS students and teachers. The lecture focused on the relationship between language learning and language research. According to Prof. Han Chao, language is one of the most fascinating things in the world; it has temperature, texture, rhythm and power. And language learning is a gradual, cumulative and persistent process. To stimulate students’ interest in language learning and language research, Prof. Han Chao shared his personal experience and efficient methods in English learning, and vividly recounted his learning anecdotes. He also elaborated on the new developments, opportunities and challenges of language research amid the trend of interdisciplinarity and digital humanities.

Prof. Han’s insightful lecture wowed the audience, triggering applause from the audience. The lecture was followed by a Q&D session in which students asked questions about the choice of majors, foreign language learning and academic planning.

The designation of XFLS as a “high-quality source of admissions” for XMU was part of the efforts of XMU to promote itself among high school students. It was a strategy for educating, engaging and influencing prospective students.